Kim Rubenstein will be the first Independent running for an ACT Senate seat to appear above the line on the ballot paper at the next Federal election.
In August, Professor Rubenstein – constitutional and citizenship law expert, and one of the Financial Review’s ‘100 Women of Influence’ – announced her bid for the Senate as an independent candidate.
This week, the Australian Electoral Commission formally confirmed her Kim for Canberra (KIM4CBR) party as a political party. Kim for Canberra’s registration status is now live on the AEC registry.
Above the line representation gives her the best chance of winning a seat in the Senate.
Professor Rubenstein said this process required a public groundswell of support, as 1,500 registered members must officially sign up before a party can register with the AEC. Her team filed the paperwork at the start of October.
Throughout the registration process, Professor Rubenstein said, she received enormous support from the community, not only achieving the members for registration to be above the line on the Senate ballot paper, but also boasting a strong and passionate volunteer base.
The formal party launch will take place in mid-February.
Kim for Canberra’s policies
Professor Rubenstein promises a truly collaborative and engaged parliament that listens to experts; to bring Australia into the 21st century through constitutional change; and to stand up for the ACT.
“With members all across Canberra, I have been listening to what issues are important to territorians,” Professor Rubenstein said. “Over the course of Zoom evenings held over many, many months now, together with our community survey, I’ve been given a significant insight into the issues affecting ACT constituents.”
Climate change, gender equity, citizenship, refugee policy, economic and cultural renewal, and a First Nations Voice to Parliament are on her agenda; so are allowing dual nationals to stand for parliament and making Australia a republic.
Professor Rubenstein enlisted the help of policy experts to build her robust platform, based on collaboration, expert analysis, and inclusivity. At the next election, she will champion:
1. Urgent and meaningful action on climate change via a transition to a renewable energy future, leaving no worker behind;
2. Integrity in Parliament through revaluing the liberal democratic institutions of transparency and accountability, together with establishing an independent and transparent Federal Integrity Commission;
3. Implementing measures to achieve safety for women in all Australian workplaces, including those outlined in the Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry Report (2020) and the significant recommendations for making Parliament a safe and equal workplace as set out by the Set the Standard: Report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (2021).
4. The direct representation of all Canberrans, by leading and negotiating outside the constraints of the party system.
Professor Rubenstein also wants to work with both major parties to effect real change for Australians, particularly Canberrans.
